Time Out Group Expands Its Digital Business With The Launch Of Time Out Los Angeles At timeout.com/losangeles

NEW YORK, Oct. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Global media leader Time Out Group today announced the launch of Time Out Los Angeles (TOLA), the definitive source for Angelenos looking to discover the best things to do around LA, including arts, entertainment, culture and culinary events.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121003/NY86064LOGO )

The announcement, which follows April's relaunch of the popular Time Out New York site, signals the most recent strategic step and tactical execution taken in the United States for global Time Out Group to advance as a worldwide digital media group since Oakley Capital Investments Ltd. gained a majority share in the company last year.

"We are a brand with considerable consumer trust, a distinct editorial voice and an incredibly active audience, which drives our business and puts us in a position that is unique in the marketplace," said Aksel van der Wal, CEO of Time Out Group. "We will continue to scale in digital, from improving the overall online experience to deepening the types of offers that we provide and hiring great talent to develop them."

Time Out Los Angeles will help users not only know more -- with a breadth and depth of entertainment content that can't be found through any other single source in Los Angeles -- but do more. Users will be able to purchase tickets to shows, make reservations, score exclusive offers and more, increasing their access to all aspects of event planning, from inspiration to booking.

Enlisting a handpicked team of editors, contributors and local experts, Time Out Los Angeles aims to inspire culturally savvy, on-the-go Southlanders to discover all the great things to see and do -- the secret gems, the quirky events -- with a definitive LA city guide that will help Angelenos make the most of their free time.

"Time Out's editors and contributors are really dialed into LA's food, art, style, shopping, music and entertainment scenes, which means we can provide readers with a much more curated perspective of the most fun and interesting things to do in LA," says Editor Lisa Sweetingham.

"We want to inspire Angelenos to make that commitment to get out and go see and do interesting things, while also helping them to plan their days and nights around those events with lists of great places to eat, drink and shop nearby," Sweetingham further explains.  "In addition to being the ultimate source for residents, Time Out Los Angeles will also serve visitors, who will have one-stop access to LA's best offerings, but curated with a local's perspective."

Time Out Los Angeles will be hosted under the domain, timeout.com/losangeles, unifying it with Time Out Group's global properties.

In addition to the website, a free TOLA iPhone app is scheduled to launch in mid-October. The app will feature Time Out's extensive events and reviews, along with easy-to-use maps, so users can find recommended places and events near them while they are on the go. Critics' Picks and Free & Cheap options are highlighted for quick look-up, and users can save their favorite places and locations, and easily send listings to friends.  The iPhone app will be followed by free Android and iPad apps.

Since Oakley Capital acquired a majority stake in the company last May, the Time Out Group has launched Time Out Paris and Time Out Mexico sites, made more than 60 digital hires, formed new strategic partnerships and acquired several relevant companies to further build out its presence on the Web.  

About Time Out Group

Time Out Group is a global media company and leading source for discovering the best arts and entertainment in the best cities throughout the world. Founded in London in 1968, the Time Out Group network incorporates city magazines, a comprehensive online presence, an Offers & Experiences platform, mobile applications, travel guides, live events and partnerships. Dedicated to delivering comprehensive, relevant and engaging information, Time Out Group spans 37 cities across 25 countries and encompasses a worldwide audience of over 18 million. Time Out Group received the International Consumer Magazine of the Year title at the Periodical Publishers Association Awards in both 2010 and 2011 and was named a 2011/2012 "Cool Brand" for its ability to guide people to the very best that a place has to offer. Visit www.timeout.com. 

SOURCE Time Out Group